It is a Friday night about 8:30pm, rainy and both kids are in bed. We are putting on a movie to have a date in tonight. It has turned really cool here and it has been a long day. With one teething kid and another who just couldn't seem to listen today. Though these days don't happen all the time it has just been one of those days...But then as I sit here I think of the women in Haiti right now...especially those in Port-au-Prince and those who are amongst the Cholera. How are they managing. Having a one year old in a tent, I can't imagine, or finding out my child is so sick and spending hours waiting for help hoping they are strong enough to live until the help is available, wondering where or how the next meal will come and I am sure some ask "where are you Lord?" Why all this turmoil? Why all this sadness? Why all this despair? Why all this sickness and destruction?
Or then there is the other side being a doctor or missionary in Haiti trying to help and bring hope to so many. Seeing those who didn't have the strength to hold out until help was available, seeing many lose their lives, babies, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Many of all ages are dying everyday.
I recently had a conversation with a great friend about how to have Joy always. I have been pondering this question a lot lately. She spoke great truth to me and it has changed my outlook on it all. Satan comes to steal Joy...and for me Joy and happiness were one. Not any longer. Many people are happy, even those who do not know Jesus. They are happy with stuff or their job or their home and family. Jesus is the only one that can give Joy. It is from Him and Him alone. I see all that is happening in Haiti and I think two things:
One, Satan is there amongst many trying to steal and for some has succeeded in stealing their Joy. Two, Jesus is there for those searching or whose faith is strong and Joy is seen in their smiles when they are with their child though stuck in a tent, or it is in those who might not have much but still seem to share a meal. It has not been taken from all and many are there fighting for Joy to remain in their lives and for them I pray and continue to seek Joy myself.
With this, I find Joy in giving myself, by service, a smile, a conversation to those who might need just to talk and by financially sacrificing those things that we have. As this Christmas time approaches and as you pray for the way Jesus desires you to give or be stretched please know these people living in Haiti are not just people that we serve in our ministry but they are now apart of my family line...
It was great seeing everyone and while my stay was super short the love we have for you is huge and irreplaceable.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday, September 03, 2010
This last year has been a joy, a challenge, a fight, great growth, an encouragement and many blessing from our Lord. On August 10th we celebrated 2 years of our church plant. A Haitian service meeting in a Dominican church. Many have attempted but the difference and the pressure the culture throws they have yet to succeed. Many belong to the same church organization but have their own buildings. Having separate services and in part a sort of segregation. If we are to be one body in Christ then we will be one church in Him as well. I have seen in this last year a humongous change in relationships between the Christians in our church and the Christians in the Dominican church. It brings me to tears when I see the two cultures putting "culture" aside to live for Christ. 4 days before the Sunday of our Celebration we had services at night. All the nightly activities that the Dominicans use the church for found other places to meet. We had the Dominican youth lead the Thursday night service, another Haitian church come and lead the Friday night service and then our church led the Saturday night service. On Sunday we had a dear friend and teacher Brian Johnson come and speak on John 10:9. The Bible study Wilby leads on Wednesday night is working through the book of John. So it was perfect and it was an amazing week of Worship and Praise for everything God has blessed us with and in the lives of our congregation, families, friends. Please pray that the world's view on how Dominicans and Haitians are suppose to react to one another does not cloud the vision of those in both churches and they are able to respond with God's love only. Thank you for the hard work you put in to help in this ministry.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saying Goodbye!
Time has come where we had to say goodbye to a very close friend. His name is Edouard Philipe and his wife felt called back to Haiti. He has attended the University here in Santiago and graduated in December with a psychology degree. He helped in many ways start the church here with Wilby in our community. He has served faithfully as an elder of the congregation and has been Wilby's second hand man. This past weekend we celebrated our 2nd Anniversary of the church plant. It has been 2 unbelievable years with many ups and downs but much fruit has come from our church. It is hard to say goodbye to such a dedicated worker and loving friend but this is our vision for the church and God is accomplishing it through us. Raising up leaders to send out. Philip has been called back into the thick of Port-au-Prince to help counsel those who have been effected by the recent earthquake. He is leaving a comfortable home and church family to go amongst those who desperately need encouragement and direction. We presented Philip with a plaque to remember our church by and all our prayer are with him as he continues down the road God is leading him on. We are excited about his journey but at the same time he will truely be missed!
Time has come where we had to say goodbye to a very close friend. His name is Edouard Philipe and his wife felt called back to Haiti. He has attended the University here in Santiago and graduated in December with a psychology degree. He helped in many ways start the church here with Wilby in our community. He has served faithfully as an elder of the congregation and has been Wilby's second hand man. This past weekend we celebrated our 2nd Anniversary of the church plant. It has been 2 unbelievable years with many ups and downs but much fruit has come from our church. It is hard to say goodbye to such a dedicated worker and loving friend but this is our vision for the church and God is accomplishing it through us. Raising up leaders to send out. Philip has been called back into the thick of Port-au-Prince to help counsel those who have been effected by the recent earthquake. He is leaving a comfortable home and church family to go amongst those who desperately need encouragement and direction. We presented Philip with a plaque to remember our church by and all our prayer are with him as he continues down the road God is leading him on. We are excited about his journey but at the same time he will truely be missed!
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Living and working with Haitians in our community there are many God stories told. Many different ways Wilby and I are being used to impact the community for Christ and in many ways your prayers, financial help and encouragement motivates us to continue when the times get tough, we are also able to rejoice when God moves. It is only because of you we are able to be here living and serving the people here and fulfilling God's calling for our lives.
The first story…
Guereda has been attending our church a little less than one year. I connected with her almost immediately because of her having a little boy only a few months older then Ruben. She comes to church consistently with her little boy. One day Wilby and I were taking a walk when we came upon her and some friends. She was anxious to share a story with us. She said that the little one started crawling and the uncle went to leave and forgot to shut the door behind him. The little guy crawled out of the house and found a pop bottle cap. (Pop is in glass bottles down here) Doing what all little kids do at that age he immediately put it in his mouth and started choking…she swooped him up and tried over and over again to get it out. She tried with her finger which only put it down his throat further, she tried pounding on his back and she even called out to those around her to help…nothing worked. He was still choking as she was crying out for help. She said she came to a place where she just stopped, said to the Lord "you have given him to me and if now is the time you are going to take him…he is yours". She said after those words were said the cap just popped out of his mouth and he started breathing and smiling. She said she lifted her hands to the Lord and thanked and praised him for her son. She was able to encourage others with this story during church the following Sunday. We serve a powerful God and when we place all things in His hands he will amaze us! Below is Guereda and her son.
The first story…
Guereda has been attending our church a little less than one year. I connected with her almost immediately because of her having a little boy only a few months older then Ruben. She comes to church consistently with her little boy. One day Wilby and I were taking a walk when we came upon her and some friends. She was anxious to share a story with us. She said that the little one started crawling and the uncle went to leave and forgot to shut the door behind him. The little guy crawled out of the house and found a pop bottle cap. (Pop is in glass bottles down here) Doing what all little kids do at that age he immediately put it in his mouth and started choking…she swooped him up and tried over and over again to get it out. She tried with her finger which only put it down his throat further, she tried pounding on his back and she even called out to those around her to help…nothing worked. He was still choking as she was crying out for help. She said she came to a place where she just stopped, said to the Lord "you have given him to me and if now is the time you are going to take him…he is yours". She said after those words were said the cap just popped out of his mouth and he started breathing and smiling. She said she lifted her hands to the Lord and thanked and praised him for her son. She was able to encourage others with this story during church the following Sunday. We serve a powerful God and when we place all things in His hands he will amaze us! Below is Guereda and her son.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
FEBRUARY...
This last month was full of so many blessings. First we have many new people visiting our church, most coming from Haiti after the quake to live with relatives or friends. Many have come to continue their education. Most everything in Port-au-Prince has been destroyed or is so unstable no one wants to enter the buildings. I believe God has set up our church for this main purpose. Many of our church members have opened up their homes for those flocking this way. It is so good to see the love they have for one another.
This is Wilby's friend Inel who came just this last week seeking to continue his education. He only knows a little Spanish and so he is studying the language everyday so that he can start his schooling in the fall. He lived in Saint Marc, where Wilby's family is and they were both baptized on the same day. He started attending our church and we are excited about the impact he will make in our congregation and community.
Wilby and Inel
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Our Story
Here is all that has been going on in our lives to God we give Glory! The day of the quake we were living and doing things that is in our everyday schedule not knowing that life for us would never be the same. We felt the quake here in Santiago, DR and it was pretty strong but no damage done. We then turned on the T.V. (love having it for this purpose) and saw that Port au Prince was hit hard and a Tsunami was being anticipated. The sickness we felt in our stomachs thinking if a Tsunami hit, the city would be no longer and the people would all be gone as well. We started praying hard “God have mercy on them all” we then heard that the Tsunami was not coming. We lifted up our hands and praised our Father for one of many answered prayers. That was Tuesday and as the days went on and we became more aware of the deaths and people trapped, Wilby became more concerned about his son Carvens. We talked more and more about him making a trip there. The danger was high and with no communication it would take a lot of sitting and waiting on my part. He had said it be safer to take an elder from the church with him so he was not traveling alone and he would come back to the border within 5 days and update us on his whereabouts. We both decided that he would go to Saint Marc first which is 2 hours north of Port Au Prince because that is where Carvens moms family lives and if they made it they would go there. He left Friday morning at 5am, kissed both me and Ruben not knowing if we would see each other on this earth again.
Wilby’s Journey
After traveling all day he got into Saint Marc and was greeted my his cousin who was crying…Wilby said I have been traveling all day and haven’t eaten anything let me eat something before you give me any news. After he was done eating he said ok so where is Carvens she said she didn’t know. He then made his way to Carvens Moms family and when he got there he heard the kids saying Carvens Carvens your dad is here. At that moment Wilby raised his hands up and gave praise to our Lord. He was making plans to go to Port au Prince but found out that it was very dangerous and those coming in from the outside with stuff were being mugged so they didn’t go. Sunday Wilby had a conversation with the mom of Carvens to see if she was ok with Carvens coming and living in the Dominican. She was not okay at first but after her sister and brother talked with her about it she decided it would be okay. There is no school or much food for Carvens there so by bringing him to the D.R . he can continue his education and be taken care of while his family in Haiti rebuild their lives. On Monday Wilby packed Carvens up and headed to the border. Now Carvens is illegal and doesn’t have papers so to get him across the border Wilby had to pay a guy who crosses all the time and sent Carvens with him. Wilby, having papers then crossed and met up with Carvens at the bus station, only to find out that the bus had already left. Wanting to get back to Santiago that night he talked with people to see if there was anyone around who could continue to smuggle him to Santiago. Wilby found a guy that had a car and was heading to Santiago with other illegal Haitians. There were two cars traveling together and when they were on the road one of them broke down. After spending many hours trying to fix it they decided to go back to the border and leave early the next morning. Wilby then spent the night in a hotel and got up to leave at 5 the next morning. He waited for the guy to come and when he didn’t show up he made his way to the bus station not wanting to miss another ride. On the bus the driver asked for Carvens papers and when wilby couldn’t produce them the driver told him he could not go. The guy that was suppose to meet wilby from the night before showed up and paid the guy the money wilby had given him and everything was then ok. 3 hours later they arrived safely to the house and we have started the adjustment period. We praise God for all that He has done.
Thank you so much for lifting us up in prayer for God has heard the cries of his people and has blessed them. We still pray for the people of Haiti who are without food, water, medical assistance and homes. We plan on having Carvens until school ends which is in June sometime. We are so happy he is ok and that he has the opportunity to know Jesus and how life with the Savior is different. In fact this morning Wilby was sharing with Carvens the story of how Jesus said Let the little children come to me. How Jesus loves him and wants the best for him. Wilby then asked if he wanted to accept Jesus into his heart and he said Yes!! So wilby prayed for him and talked more about life with Jesus. This is so exciting knowing the lifestyle that he is coming from. We pray that he continues to grow with his faith and Christ continues to direct Wilby and I down this road.
We Thank you all again for your prayers, encouragement and your financial support!
Here is all that has been going on in our lives to God we give Glory! The day of the quake we were living and doing things that is in our everyday schedule not knowing that life for us would never be the same. We felt the quake here in Santiago, DR and it was pretty strong but no damage done. We then turned on the T.V. (love having it for this purpose) and saw that Port au Prince was hit hard and a Tsunami was being anticipated. The sickness we felt in our stomachs thinking if a Tsunami hit, the city would be no longer and the people would all be gone as well. We started praying hard “God have mercy on them all” we then heard that the Tsunami was not coming. We lifted up our hands and praised our Father for one of many answered prayers. That was Tuesday and as the days went on and we became more aware of the deaths and people trapped, Wilby became more concerned about his son Carvens. We talked more and more about him making a trip there. The danger was high and with no communication it would take a lot of sitting and waiting on my part. He had said it be safer to take an elder from the church with him so he was not traveling alone and he would come back to the border within 5 days and update us on his whereabouts. We both decided that he would go to Saint Marc first which is 2 hours north of Port Au Prince because that is where Carvens moms family lives and if they made it they would go there. He left Friday morning at 5am, kissed both me and Ruben not knowing if we would see each other on this earth again.
Wilby’s Journey
After traveling all day he got into Saint Marc and was greeted my his cousin who was crying…Wilby said I have been traveling all day and haven’t eaten anything let me eat something before you give me any news. After he was done eating he said ok so where is Carvens she said she didn’t know. He then made his way to Carvens Moms family and when he got there he heard the kids saying Carvens Carvens your dad is here. At that moment Wilby raised his hands up and gave praise to our Lord. He was making plans to go to Port au Prince but found out that it was very dangerous and those coming in from the outside with stuff were being mugged so they didn’t go. Sunday Wilby had a conversation with the mom of Carvens to see if she was ok with Carvens coming and living in the Dominican. She was not okay at first but after her sister and brother talked with her about it she decided it would be okay. There is no school or much food for Carvens there so by bringing him to the D.R . he can continue his education and be taken care of while his family in Haiti rebuild their lives. On Monday Wilby packed Carvens up and headed to the border. Now Carvens is illegal and doesn’t have papers so to get him across the border Wilby had to pay a guy who crosses all the time and sent Carvens with him. Wilby, having papers then crossed and met up with Carvens at the bus station, only to find out that the bus had already left. Wanting to get back to Santiago that night he talked with people to see if there was anyone around who could continue to smuggle him to Santiago. Wilby found a guy that had a car and was heading to Santiago with other illegal Haitians. There were two cars traveling together and when they were on the road one of them broke down. After spending many hours trying to fix it they decided to go back to the border and leave early the next morning. Wilby then spent the night in a hotel and got up to leave at 5 the next morning. He waited for the guy to come and when he didn’t show up he made his way to the bus station not wanting to miss another ride. On the bus the driver asked for Carvens papers and when wilby couldn’t produce them the driver told him he could not go. The guy that was suppose to meet wilby from the night before showed up and paid the guy the money wilby had given him and everything was then ok. 3 hours later they arrived safely to the house and we have started the adjustment period. We praise God for all that He has done.
Thank you so much for lifting us up in prayer for God has heard the cries of his people and has blessed them. We still pray for the people of Haiti who are without food, water, medical assistance and homes. We plan on having Carvens until school ends which is in June sometime. We are so happy he is ok and that he has the opportunity to know Jesus and how life with the Savior is different. In fact this morning Wilby was sharing with Carvens the story of how Jesus said Let the little children come to me. How Jesus loves him and wants the best for him. Wilby then asked if he wanted to accept Jesus into his heart and he said Yes!! So wilby prayed for him and talked more about life with Jesus. This is so exciting knowing the lifestyle that he is coming from. We pray that he continues to grow with his faith and Christ continues to direct Wilby and I down this road.
We Thank you all again for your prayers, encouragement and your financial support!
Wilby, Lisa, Carvens and Ruben
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